…Audrey turned 3 years old. Kind of amazing, really. It was a bash full of people who love my daugher, all her 10 little friends (minus Cousin Ruth Anne, whom we sorely missed), streamers and balloons hung by Grandpa, presents and lovely hyacinth a bloom on the mantel.
Highlights of the party:
The pile of gifts, all for one little girl named AUDREY ANNE! One gift after another she kept looking up at me, making sure it was okay, “a present for Audrey Anne”. Yes, a present for Audrey Anne. I think she kept thinking it was like Christmas where there are many gifts for all sorts of different people under the tree. And when it occurred to her that she wouldn’t have to share at all, ever…delight and surges of glee went through her little body.
Typical three year old melt down when it came time to sing Happy Birthday and blow out her candles. After a few minutes of Ivan pulling his amazing Dad tricks, he coaxed her out of her hiding place just in time before the candles pooled on the cheap frosting smeared across the cupcakes.
And at the end of the night, I found myself cuddling with Audrey Anne, Hope and lil’ Julia on the big overstuffed black couch as we read the Fancy Nancy book (which just so happens to be one of my favorite childrens books now). They were so tired and strung out on cupcake sugar and macaroni and cheese, they just sat there real still with their hands resting on my body. It felt soothing to me.
As I lay Audrey down to sleep, I said to her, “Audrey, did you have fun at your birthday party?” And she replied, quick and witty, “Yes! Let’s do it over again.” Like tomorrow is what I think her little mind was thinking.
God bless my little Audrey Anne. May she know she is deeply loved and celebrated by many.